Horse Flats Campground accommodates equestrians in the Angeles National Forest with sites designed for both tent and RV camping. The campground features vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site for $12 per night. While no running water is available, the location provides access to nearby bouldering areas and hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail to historic Glenwood Cabin. The sites are large and well-spaced, offering privacy for campers with horses. The campground remains open from April through October, with summer temperatures staying cooler due to the elevation.
Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park offers a one-mile hike-in camping experience with horse corrals across from the main camping area. The $7 per person nightly fee includes access to flush toilets and drinking water from an on-site spigot. Fires are strictly prohibited at this location. Campers can access the site via the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot or take a longer route on the East Topanga Fire Road and connect to the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction. The campground consists of approximately six sites divided between two fenced sections, each equipped with a picnic table. Meadows located down the trail provide additional space for horses to graze.
"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $225 / night
"If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction."
"Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city."
from $7 / night
"This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."
"This campground happens to be very close to home so we went here to try out our brand new pull behind camper trailer for the very first time.
The campground is small, quiet and very well-kept."
"A little remote and you have to drive to the nearest town(s), but clean grounds and nice site. Very easy to book online. The RV park is pretty large so it's a nice daily walk."
"It’s right near Magic Mountain theme park and many useful stores nearby: Home Depot, Walmart, Target, genetic stores, movie theaters. I’ll camp here again."
from $100 / night
"Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too"
"Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore."
"But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."
"Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."
"Horse Flats is not as popular as Buckhorn, and is a little less "green" with regards to the immediate scenery. It is also quieter for this reason, which is nice."
"We usually only see rangers come around in the morning. With that said, we still like Horse Flats because there is usually a spot or two open if we arrive on a Saturday."
from $12 / night
"Coming from Frazier, CA I was able to access the camp site with a 2012 Chevy Equinox LS FWD (By no means an off-roading vehicle) and return back home with no issues."
"Beautiful drive down grade valley to get to this awesome site. We were looking for a more remote place to camp and this site satisfied all our needs."
"great views 360 degrees once you're on top. a 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station. fire rings with multiple spots"
ScoutBeautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
TravelerNice spot with great hiking. Limited facilities. No hookups. $1 for 2 minute shower (tokens).
TravelerI was lucky to find this place. It’s well run, comfortable, friendly. Nice spots.
ScoutThe hike-in experience has captivating views and diverse environment. Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city.
TravelerI do recommend. Beautiful, peaceful place. Good folks. It’s right near Magic Mountain theme park and many useful stores nearby: Home Depot, Walmart, Target, genetic stores, movie theaters. I’ll camp here again.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
ScoutGreat hikes all around and close to beaches and city. Good sites were 26, 7, 49.
RangerSmall and not level spots, but OK spreaded. Toilet building is fine (paid showers though).
TravelerThe only thing to do here is hike and the trails are not well marked. Tried to get to MASH site and almost missed it do to lack of trail markers.
The bathrooms are clean but no soap or way to dry hands.
Visitors center is a hike and only open on weekends if volunteers are available.
RV dump station usage is not included in site fee. Extra $10 per dump
Most of sites are not even close level!
Equestrian camping near El Nido, California offers diverse camping experiences at elevations ranging from 500 to 5,500 feet throughout the Angeles National Forest and surrounding areas. Summer temperatures at higher elevations stay 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby urban areas, with most campgrounds closing during winter months from November through April due to snow and ice conditions.
Bouldering adventures: Horse Flats Campground provides access to numerous bouldering opportunities within walking distance. "There is mostly bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff. Plenty of sites!" notes Kathleen L.
Historic hiking trails: Follow the Pacific Crest Trail from Horse Flats Campground to reach Glenwood Cabin. "Hike the Pacific Crest Trail to historic Glenwood Cabin," recommends Les R., who adds that the trail offers scenic views along a well-marked route.
Creek exploration: During spring months, the creeks near Bear Canyon Campground offer refreshing water features. "Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end," writes Shannon E., who recommends being careful as "the trail tends to get iffy at points."
Privacy between sites: The campground layout at many sites provides adequate separation between campers. According to Ryan W., at Malibu Creek State Park, "We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site."
Wildlife viewing: The area offers chances to observe native wildlife in their habitats. Ryan W. notes, "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear... On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek."
Equestrian-friendly amenities: Horse camping facilities accommodate equestrian needs with dedicated areas. Les R. experienced Musch Trail Camp stating, "Although it's not the most scenic campground itself, the state park has plenty of beauty to offer on its hiking trails."
Water availability: Most higher elevation campgrounds lack water sources. "Bring all your water with you. There is no running water at this campground," warns Les R. about Horse Flats Campground.
Fire restrictions: Rules regarding fires vary by location and season. Shannon E. cautions about Bear Canyon Campground: "There are fire rings but use responsibly—have lots of water at the pit to put it out, and make sure you do do that completely before you go to sleep."
Driving conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. Jerome A. reports about Halfmoon Campground, "Coming from Frazier, CA I was able to access the camp site with a 2012 Chevy Equinox LS FWD (By no means an off-roading vehicle) and return back home with no issues. The drive down into the little valley is spectacular."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Bri B. mentions that Tapo Canyon Park "has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice."
Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential during warmer months. Luissimo M. advises at Horse Flats Campground, "Bring lots of mosquito repellent. You will need it."
Family-friendly activities: Multiple options exist for family recreation within short distances. Jean writes about Malibu Creek State Park: "Between hiking and biking, we were busy for the time we were there. As a bonus, there is a Ralph's just up the street, so you'll never be far from anything you'd need."
Hookup details: Many parks offer various levels of hookups for RVs. Larry B. describes Valencia Travel Village: "Nice area for RVing. Good size campsites. Full hookups, Public Restrooms and nice playground area."
RV length limitations: Vehicle size restrictions apply at certain campgrounds. Rick L. notes about Malibu Creek State Park, "Nice campground for a big state park. Good for Hikes and bikes. Some interesting movie TV sets in the area. Decent cell coverage. Best for tents, tight for RVs."
Cell service considerations: Internet connectivity varies greatly between locations. April Y. warns about Valencia Travel Village, "DO NOT expect cell service. I could only work from this spot by placing my mobile HomeFi router on top of the camper. Our Verizon phones were paper weights."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near El Nido, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near El Nido, CA is Malibu Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near El Nido, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near El Nido, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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